Details: Running events occur nearly every weekend in Western North Carolina, but few of them feature participants entertained by the very folks their entry fees support.

At Saturday's Band-Aid races, small ensembles from the Asheville High School band will scattered throughout the course, including two sax quartets, a brass quartet, a drum line and a clarinet choir, plus the Asheville Middle School jazz band at the finish line.

"They'll play a variety of songs," said Emily Talley, assistant band director for AHS and the races' organizer. "Whatever we can get our hands on."

All of the proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing new instruments for the AHS program. Many of the instruments currently used were purchased in 1982 and are in need of replacement. Funds will also go toward scholarships for two graduating band members.

Gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The 1-Mile Fun Run, at 9:30 a.m., takes place on the AHS track and is limited to ages 12 and younger, though parents may run alongside their child free of charge. The top three boys and top three girls will receive a special award and every child will receive a ribbon. The 1-Mile Fun Run awards will be given out directly after the run is complete.

The 5K/8K races begin at 10:15 a.m. on the campus, and the course goes through the neighboring grounds of A-B Tech and back to the high school. The 8K route will follow the same path as the 5K route, but before turning back into AHS the longer distance runners will do another upper and lower loop.

Last year's inaugural Band-Aid races were held at Carrier Park, though relocating to the high school holds distinct advantages.

"It's really nice to have it on our home turf," Talley said. "We don't have to transport our equipment and we've also been able to utilize A-B Tech and their campus. It's been really good to establish a relationship with them."

Handmade cowbells by senior trombone player and metal artist Zach Tacy will be awarded to the overall first, second and third place finishers in both the 5K and 8K.

Other awards will go to the three fastest runners in the following age groups: 14 & younger; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84; and 85 and older.

Packet pick-up and a spaghetti dinner catered by Frank's Pizza will take place in the school cafeteria 5-8 p.m. Friday. Pasta, salad, bread, drinks and baked goods are on the menu. The dinner costs $6 for adults and is free for ages 11 and younger with a paying adult or $3 on their own.